Emancipated Run Crew: Creating Space and Celebrating Diversity in London
Emancipated Run Crew started because its founders wanted things to be different. In August 2019, Trojan set up a WhatsApp group to organize runs with friends like Dee and Jules. They saw that most running events had very few Black and Brown runners. Wanting to change this, they built the kind of community they wished existed and invited others to join. That’s how ERC began.
Trojan, Dee, and Jules, the founders of ERC, want the group to be more than just a running crew. Their goal is to support and celebrate diversity. They’ve built a place where runners of color feel welcome and valued, even when they’re often overlooked elsewhere. This spirit guides everything the crew does and helps bring about positive change in the running culture.
They do more than just run together—they get involved in the community and support good causes. One of their main events is the annual Black History Month Run, which celebrates Black excellence and raises money for charity. They also collaborate with The Black Curriculum to facilitate Black history workshops for young people. Plus, they organize litter picks during their runs to keep the city clean and show that every effort counts.
ERC is recognized for its friendly and supportive atmosphere. They host weekly runs throughout London, typically ranging from 5k to 10k, and everyone is welcome, regardless of their experience. These runs are a chance to get fit and explore the city together. Sometimes, the group turns their runs into tours, finding street art and landmarks that make each outing special.
The group welcomes anyone seeking a friendly and inclusive running group in London, particularly runners of color. They’ve built a place where everyone can feel at home. If you're interested in joining, please reach out through their social media pages.
ERC is vital to London’s diverse running scene. The city is a global hub for running. ERC plays an important role in London’s diverse running scene. The city is home to numerous running groups, including Run Dem Crew, Chasing Lights Collective, and London Brunch Club. Each group has its own unique style, contributing to London's welcoming atmosphere for all runners. The cultural landscape is striking. The capital is among the world’s most diverse cities, a place where people from all over the world come together. This backdrop makes ERC’s mission of diversity and inclusion both necessary and impactful.
The runs take members through many different parts of London. Favorite routes include the paths along the River Thames, the quiet Regent’s Canal towpath, and the beautiful Royal Parks, especially Hyde Park, which many city runners love.
London is home to some of the world’s best races. The biggest is the TCS London Marathon, which is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Other popular events are the Royal Parks Half Marathon, The Big Half, and the Hackney Half Marathon, all known for their lively crowds and mix of runners.
